Recogniotion of targets

Recognition of targets
When your section commander indicates a target you must be
able to recognize it so that you can shoot at it. To make it easier there are
certain
methods of indication that everyone uses.
Arcs of Fire
It is easier to recognize a target if you know the area in which it is likely to be;
such an area is known as an arc of fire. When your section commander
shows you the arc of fire he:
- Points out the axis or middle of the arc.
- Shows you its left and right boundaries.
Points out a number of prominent objects, or reference points which must be
easy to identify and a reasonable distance apart, gives each one a name,
and tells you the range of it; and if any object is large, like a copse, tells you
what bit of it he is using as a reference point.
Methods of Indication
Direct Method
Obvious targets are indicated by what is known as the direct method. b. The
section commander tells you the range and where to look and describes the
target; the terms he uses are:
- “Axis of arc” for targets on or very near the axis.
- “Left” or “Right” for targets 90 degrees from the axis.
- “Slightly”, “quarter”, “half” or “three quarters”, and “left” or “right” for
targets between the axis and “left” and “right”.
An example might be “300 — half right — lone bush”.
Reference Points.
For less obvious targets the section commander may use reference points
and the direct method together, and perhaps “above” or “below” as well.
Examples are:
- “300 — bushy topped tree (reference point) — slightly right — small
bush (the target)”.
- “200 — corner of copse — slightly right and below — small bush”.